As the ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia is committed to fostering tighter integration within ASEAN and deepening trade, economic, and energy integration between the region and other parts of the world.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar said that a typical example is the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which will unlock the potential of talent in the Johor region while leveraging its geographical proximity to Singapore to attract investment and create high-value economic opportunities.
“Similarly, we will prioritize strengthening regional energy cooperation through the ASEAN Power Grid, which is a key initiative to advance the region’s energy transition.”
He stated this while attending the 'Invest Malaysia' event held in London today (16th).
Malaysia and Singapore exchanged signed documents for the Johor-Singapore Economic Zone on the 7th of this month, a unique initiative where the two countries are working together to promote each other’s development and attract investment.
Anwar reiterated that key steps include integrating Thailand and Laos’s energy grids into the broader ASEAN network and exporting Sarawak’s hydroelectric power to Singapore.
He pointed out that these efforts mark an important step towards strengthening energy security and accelerating the clean energy transition in the global south.
He said Malaysia will also ensure that ASEAN continues to be a neutral platform for dialogue and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Anwar appreciated the UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which opens doors for Malaysian exports such as palm oil, rubber, and timber to key markets.
He said Malaysia is also eager to explore partnerships with other global southern economies such as BRICS, in hopes of opening new business channels.